genetics? Why are some parts easier to build?

[reduni]

I've been thinking about this lately and I thought I'd put it out there for discussion. I know everyone seems to have a body part/s that is easier to develop but does anyone know why? That's not taking into account not providing ample stimulation. I wouldn't expect my quads to grow if I'm only doing bench press.

I know genetics play a part in how you look but is it the only factor? Calves seem to be a big sore spot for some people. Even Arnold had small calves but if you look at his upper body he was quite large. Yes he worked hard on them but why is it that if you put in equal effort for all areas they dont grow proportionally? Or do they? I don't know.
Hope I explained what I'm thinking correctly

I'm just interested what this community has to say on this.

Richard

[Yotone]

all i know is that i saw someones signature and it said something like, "every time i lift harder my genetics get better." after i saw that it changed the way i view this topic.


genetics schementics.

every time i hear that word genetics i cringe.

[Mark1T]

Might not all be genetics. Might be that you and many others do not know how to train certain body-parts effectively.

[bustasinclair]

I've been thinking about this lately and I thought I'd put it out there for discussion. I know everyone seems to have a body part/s that is easier to develop but does anyone know why? That's not taking into account not providing ample stimulation. I wouldn't expect my quads to grow if I'm only doing bench press.

I know genetics play a part in how you look but is it the only factor? Calves seem to be a big sore spot for some people. Even Arnold had small calves but if you look at his upper body he was quite large. Yes he worked hard on them but why is it that if you put in equal effort for all areas they dont grow proportionally? Or do they? I don't know.
Hope I explained what I'm thinking correctly

I'm just interested what this community has to say on this.

Richard

I believe it has to do with androgen receptors. And yes, it's genetic. Google the term. Not sure why people cringe at the mention of genetics. It's part of this game we play whether we like it or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen_receptor

[Jtbny]

Not sure why people cringe at the mention of genetics. It's part of this game we play whether we like it or not.

Probably because many who bring up genetics use it as an excuse as to why they can't do xyz instead of looking at their program, diet ect. Yes it's does factor in but for the average hobbiest it won't ever manifest itself in any meaningful way IMO.

[EjnarKolinkar]

Well OP you can spend some time reading Brad Schoenfeld's work. Like mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy.

Its complicated but there is much good basic info to be found on his site, articles, etc.

[Yotone]

my bad, i hope i didnt offend.
i was referring to the casual lifter, not the ones who compete.

I believe it has to do with androgen receptors. And yes, it's genetic. Google the term. Not sure why people cringe at the mention of genetics. It's part of this game we play whether we like it or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen_receptor

[bustasinclair]

my bad, i hope i didnt offend.
i was referring to the casual lifter, not the ones who compete.

No worries, man. Everyone has their opinions. I was just inviting more discussion.

[drudixon]

If genetics aren't a factor, why do so many African Americans have such high Calf attachments?

[MissHolly]

I just wish I had gotten my mother's calf genetics. Peg legs of peace over here, and trying my damnedest to grow them. But I did get her genetic ability to store more fat on the abdomen than the average woman. Thanks, Mom.

[mcbourque]

I just wish I had gotten my mother's calf genetics. Peg legs of peace over here, and trying my damnedest to grow them. But I did get her genetic ability to store more fat on the abdomen than the average woman. Thanks, Mom.

Do you ever wear heels? I swear that's why it's so easy for women to have decent calves.

[MissHolly]

Do you ever wear heels? I swear that's why it's so easy for women to have decent calves.

I never have a reason to. I live in jeans and running shoes or flip-flops. My mom never dressed up either, just blessed I guess.

Hm, maybe I should start cleaning the house in heels.

[grubman]

Not sure why people cringe at the mention of genetics. It's part of this game we play whether we like it or not.

I agree. I understand that some people might use it as an excuse, but anyone who has been doing this for a while and is serious can pretty well asses their genetic strengths and weaknesses honestly. For example, I have a narrow bone structure, concave chest (my ribcage actually goes in, making me very narrow from the side), and relatively wide waist for my size. I have always had poor legs and calves...and looking at my dad, and all my uncles, it's obvious the body structure (and skinny legs) are genetic. Of course with hard work and dedication I've made some good changes I'm proud of (although it's never enough ), but for me to ever think I'm going to be a natural 190 lb. ripped beast with broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist and fairing thighs is just silly.

On the flip side, I've known people (especially when I was in the army) who were large and muscular and didn't work out at all...or went to the gym once or twice a month to do some bench presses with their buddies. It was kind of irritating when those people poked fun at me for trying so hard to gain muscle, because the people who DO have the natural genetics very rarely realize it and can't understand why everyone can't just throw around a few weights and gain 10 pounds of muscle a month.

I'll also say, the guys I've met in my life who have the best, huge, nicely shaped calves...don't work them out. All of them were just born like that (that I've met...and it's been a lot). It's always us guys with crappy scrawny calves that work them out.

Genetics a re a bitch to some people...but what fun would this be without a challenge?

[mcbourque]

I never have a reason to. I live in jeans and running shoes or flip-flops. My mom never dressed up either, just blessed I guess.

Hm, maybe I should start cleaning the house in heels.

Hm.. I don't wear them anymore but 15 years wearing heels on Cobblestone street kinda got me the calves The rest is a WIP tho

[Juggertha]

Genetics matter. Anyone who says they don't - ignore them. They determine your structure, mechanics, responses, digestion... and a host of other things.

I try to understand my genetics so that I can best optimize my results.

Consider checking out these videos. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAL...2_8HHnQ/videos

[Rajeev762x39]

Why would you expect each muscle group to develop at the same rate/in the same way? Isn't it intuitive that different parts will respond differently to stimuli?

[DocHoss]

Might not all be genetics. Might be that you and many others do not know how to train certain body-parts effectively.

That is likely part of it.

I believe it has to do with androgen receptors. And yes, it's genetic. Google the term. Not sure why people cringe at the mention of genetics. It's part of this game we play whether we like it or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Androgen_receptor

Thanks busta!

Probably because many who bring up genetics use it as an excuse as to why they can't do xyz instead of looking at their program, diet ect.

Some truth in this too. But you'll never be a concert pianist no matter what your program is if you're tone deaf.

Hm, maybe I should start cleaning the house in heels.

And one of those French maid costumes

I agree. I understand that some people might use it as an excuse, but anyone who has been doing this for a while and is serious can pretty well asses their genetic strengths and weaknesses honestly. For example, I have a narrow bone structure, concave chest (my ribcage actually goes in, making me very narrow from the side), and relatively wide waist for my size. I have always had poor legs and calves...and looking at my dad, and all my uncles, it's obvious the body structure (and skinny legs) are genetic. Of course with hard work and dedication I've made some good changes I'm proud of (although it's never enough ), but for me to ever think I'm going to be a natural 190 lb. ripped beast with broad shoulders tapering down to a narrow waist and fairing thighs is just silly.

On the flip side, I've known people (especially when I was in the army) who were large and muscular and didn't work out at all...or went to the gym once or twice a month to do some bench presses with their buddies. It was kind of irritating when those people poked fun at me for trying so hard to gain muscle, because the people who DO have the natural genetics very rarely realize it and can't understand why everyone can't just throw around a few weights and gain 10 pounds of muscle a month.

I'll also say, the guys I've met in my life who have the best, huge, nicely shaped calves...don't work them out. All of them were just born like that (that I've met...and it's been a lot). It's always us guys with crappy scrawny calves that work them out.

Genetics a re a bitch to some people...but what fun would this be without a challenge?

Best response IMO! But maybe because I feel it could be me I have the delicate bones, wide waist, narrow shoulders, concave chest (my pecs still don't stick out farther than the bottom of my ribcage).

I think the bolded part says it all. Pretty much all human traits are distributed along a bell curve, why should muscle-building ability be any different? Just as some people are off on the right hand tail, others of us fall on the left hand tail, with most around the middle.

The ability of some people here to pack on mass (Hello, ID!) just boggles my mind. That's not to say that they don't work hard. But they respond so much better to that work stimulus. I've read (hey, it was on the internet, so it must be true, right?) that Dorian Yates benched 315 his first time. I will never bench that. That's not negative thinking, that's just acknowledging reality. Just like I'll never levitate or be able to carry a tune.

I've been lifting for four years, busting my ass in the gym and the kitchen, tracking my macros and calories, keeping records of all my lifts from Day 1 (and I started with legs ). It's clear that I will never be big. I will never look like ID. Period. My body will not respond that way.

That said, I have made progress. I am stronger, my muscles are a little bit bigger. And to be honest, I think I look pretty decent for a 51 year old unathletic geek. People at my gym think I look great. Heck, sometimes even I think that when I'm getting delusions of adequacy Some of that is because I have decent abs and that throws people off.

Since this thread started as a discussion of why some parts are easier to build, I have to wonder why. It's clear that abs are my best point. Is it purely genetic that they respond better than my other muscles, or did I just figure out how to work them correctly, but not anything else? I suspect the former. That, and they seem to poke out even though my BF is pretty high. Fat distribution is another thing under genetic control (I think women are familiar with the pear vs. apple body type).

I can be defined. I can have a nice beach body. I'm working hard to build the best me I can. But I simply do not have the genetics to be big.

[MissHolly]

And one of those French maid costumes

Hm, good point.


Marie! I need to borrow some clothes...

[kimm4]

Genetics, weaker/lagging bodyparts, etc...it's more of a challenge and I love a good challenge so bring it!

[DuracellBunny]

Natural variations in non-trained and maximal trained ratios of typeI, typeII and typeIIx.
Length and curvature of bones and their proportions relative to each other.
Variations in insertions and innervations.
Etc
Etc

Yes all of these things play a part.

The reason that genetics is a dirty word is that there is nothing you can do about them. Have I got good genetics for this or bad genetics for that? Somebody telling you that you have good or bad genetics won't change how hard you need to train as you are stuck with whatever genetics you have.

Work on what is within your power to control: training, diet and rest. Don't worry about what you have no control over: genetics.

[crupiea]

For me the easiest thing to build is the belly and the double chin.

everything else seems to require alot of work.

[Flipperman2a2w]

Genetics matter. Anyone who says they don't - ignore them. They determine your structure, mechanics, responses, digestion... and a host of other things.

I try to understand my genetics so that I can best optimize my results.

I think the last point Juggertha made is key. It's one thing to acknowledge your genetic strengths and weaknesses, but you can choose to use that information as an excuse or to your benefit.

A few weeks ago, I was backstage at my first competition, and a fellow competitor walks up to me and says, "Man, you look great- you've got good genetics." I politely thanked him, but I thought that was kind of a loaded compliment. I worked my butt off and went through 14 weeks of miserable dieting to prepare for that competition... When someone says you've got good genetics, I find it is usually to make themselves feel better about their own lack of effort...

[Looton]

Do you ever wear heels? I swear that's why it's so easy for women to have decent calves.

I bet there are tons of guys with non-responder calves who are considering this... whatever it takes and all.
Go Hawks!

OP: Genetics determine distribution of type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers. Deny genetics all you want with macho bunpersticker slogans, but it is what it is.
Just like insulin sensitive folks eat all the carbs they want and not get fat. But insulin resistant folks get fat looking at a cookie. It's genetics; same same but different.

[trans4mation]

That is likely part of it.


Thanks busta!


Some truth in this too. But you'll never be a concert pianist no matter what your program is if you're tone deaf.


And one of those French maid costumes


Best response IMO! But maybe because I feel it could be me I have the delicate bones, wide waist, narrow shoulders, concave chest (my pecs still don't stick out farther than the bottom of my ribcage).

I think the bolded part says it all. Pretty much all human traits are distributed along a bell curve, why should muscle-building ability be any different? Just as some people are off on the right hand tail, others of us fall on the left hand tail, with most around the middle.

The ability of some people here to pack on mass (Hello, ID!) just boggles my mind. That's not to say that they don't work hard. But they respond so much better to that work stimulus. I've read (hey, it was on the internet, so it must be true, right?) that Dorian Yates benched 315 his first time. I will never bench that. That's not negative thinking, that's just acknowledging reality. Just like I'll never levitate or be able to carry a tune.

I've been lifting for four years, busting my ass in the gym and the kitchen, tracking my macros and calories, keeping records of all my lifts from Day 1 (and I started with legs ). It's clear that I will never be big. I will never look like ID. Period. My body will not respond that way.

That said, I have made progress. I am stronger, my muscles are a little bit bigger. And to be honest, I think I look pretty decent for a 51 year old unathletic geek. People at my gym think I look great. Heck, sometimes even I think that when I'm getting delusions of adequacy Some of that is because I have decent abs and that throws people off.

Since this thread started as a discussion of why some parts are easier to build, I have to wonder why. It's clear that abs are my best point. Is it purely genetic that they respond better than my other muscles, or did I just figure out how to work them correctly, but not anything else? I suspect the former. That, and they seem to poke out even though my BF is pretty high. Fat distribution is another thing under genetic control (I think women are familiar with the pear vs. apple body type).

I can be defined. I can have a nice beach body. I'm working hard to build the best me I can. But I simply do not have the genetics to be big.

Very well thought out and dead on response.

The canned "you're not eating enough, lifting right/enough/correctly" responses do get stale. Even the most gifted posters on this site are not and were not NFL starting players and never will be and that doesn't mean they are doing something wrong. Hard work, knowledge and the correct application of that knowledge will only get you so far. Own and accept the genetics you've been given. Do the most with what you were born with. It's the only choice you/we have.

[grubman]

a fellow competitor walks up to me and says, "Man, you look great- you've got good genetics."

For what it's worth, I bet he meant you had a good base shape with attractive proportions for bodybuilding...but I'm just guessing.

[Flipperman2a2w]

For what it's worth, I bet he meant you had a good base shape with attractive proportions for bodybuilding...but I'm just guessing.

I'd like to think the compliment was fairly genuine, but it's just the way that he said it... Meh, I guess any words of encouragement are better than a direct insult

[jrfuller13]

I have a genetically small asian frame, bones, muscles and long calves. I just deal with it and try to pack on the most lean muscle I can onto it.

[JungleBoots]

your mother? try my wife - she has amazing calves and I can't seem to make em do anything!

I just wish I had gotten my mother's calf genetics. Peg legs of peace over here, and trying my damnedest to grow them. But I did get her genetic ability to store more fat on the abdomen than the average woman. Thanks, Mom.

[Steron99]

On both sides of my family tree,as far back that I can go,no one has been sports minded,they've had normal builds,along comes me into bodybuilding,and nothing to go by but myself,and I have to say my genetics are pretty good.WHEW! I've been blessed with a very nice build,and don't think i'm not grateful !